Our Blog

Accelerate your knowledge with our industry-insider insights and advice for employers and job seekers.

Should I Take a Counteroffer? Why the Experts Say No.

Thinking about using a new job offer to try and get more money out of your current employer? Think again.

Using another job offer to try and get your employer to counter may be tempting, but it often ends badly. Here are important things to consider if asking yourself, “Should I take a counteroffer?”

Reasons Your Employer May Counteroffer

Look at the logic behind a counteroffer. You employer might have one of many reasons for countering:

  • Replacing an employee can be expensive
  • It might mess up their budget to re-recruit that time of year
  • They don’t have time to re-recruit right now
  • They want to have you cover while they hunt for your replacement
  • They want you to finish the project you are working on
  • They don’t have the time to train someone new at the moment
  • Losing staff might reflect badly on your boss

 

Oftentimes, a cheaper solution for your employer is to make you a counteroffer. This may consist of a raise, a promotion, or a title change. Sometimes it is just a promise of future change. By getting you to stay, your employer has bought itself some time, perhaps to find a suitable replacement, finish that big project, or reorganize your team.

Reasons You Shouldn’t Take a Counteroffer

There is rarely a good reason to accept a counteroffer and stay where you are. Don’t let familiarity cloud your judgment. You want to move, you’ve been through the recruitment process, and you’ve been successful and have scored a job that meets your criteria. Think about these factors:

  • From the day of your resignation, your loyalty will always be in question
  • This lack of loyalty is likely to be an obstacle to future promotions
  • Your colleagues will look at you differently—after all, you don’t really want to be there, do you?
  • Your boss will probably start casting around for your replacement immediately—whether you stay or not
  • Why are they offering you what you deserve now, rather than before your resignation?
  • Has the real reason you resigned been adequately addressed?
  • How guilty do you really feel? After all, shouldn’t you be putting yourself first? Would the company think twice about getting rid of you if chips were down?

 

Counteroffers rarely, if ever, wind up working. Most likely, your basic reason for wanting to leave will resurface eventually. Don’t let a counteroffer stop you in your tracks. Take it in stride, thank your employer for the opportunity, and reaffirm your intention to leave.

Looking for a New Job Opportunity?

Contact Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions today or browse our open jobs to get started.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email